Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has approved 17 out of 20 presidential aspirants who presented their nomination papers to contest in the September 16 General Election.
Missing on the list are independent aspirant Revelend Hadwick Kaliya, Nationalist Patriotic Party torchbearer Daniel Dube and Liberation for Economic Freedom Party president Prophet David Mbewe.
In a statement signed by MEC chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja, the electoral body said: “Take notice that the Malawi Electoral Commission, having received nomination of candidates for election to the office of President of the Republic of Malawi, hereby declares that the following candidates have been duly nominated to contest for election in the 2025 General Election.”
During the presentation of nomination papers at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe between July 24 and 30, Dube was asked to rework the paperwork as there were gaps for his running mate retired Justice of Appeal Dunstain Mwaungulu.
On his part, Kaliya also had gaps in his paperwork as some information, including soliciting the required number of signatures from registered voters nationwide, were not satisfied.
Mbewe’s papers were also found wanting and was advised, just as Kaliya and Dube, to present full papers by close of business on July 30.
However, People’s Transformation Party presidential candidate Kamuzu Chibambo, who also had gaps pertaining to his running mate, has made the grade having rectified the paperwork.
Mtalimanja, a judge of the High Court of Malawi, earlier said MEC would publish names of successful candidates after vetting finer details.
Presidential candidates on the list have until Friday to confirm their participation in the election.
The approved candidates are former president Joyce Banda (People’s Party), President Lazarus Chakwera (Malawi Congress Party), Dalitso Kabambe (UTM Party), former president Peter Mutharika (Democratic Progressive Party), Atupele Muluzi (United Democratic Front), Chibambo, Frank Mwenifumbo of National Development Party, Vice-President Michael Usi (Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu), Jordan Sauti of Patriotic Citizens Party, Akwame Bandawe of Anyamata, Atsikana, Azimayi and Kondwani Nankhumwa of People’s Development Party.
Independent candidates Milward Tobias, Adil James Chilungo, Smart Swira, Cosmas Felix Chipojola, Pemphero Mvula and Thokozani Manyika Banda are also in the race.
Initially, there were 22 candidates, but former vice-president Cassim Chilumpha of Assembly for Democracy and Development and Dalitso Chauluka of People’s Progressive Movement withdrew their candidacy.
